January 1st marked the start of "high season" here at the resort. On New Year's Day, at least 25 RVs rolled into the park with more on the way this week and next.
The number of activities and classes increased to accommodate the influx of snowbirds. Cal-Am's (the corporation that owns Valle del Oro and a slew of other resorts) concert series will kick off this month and the schedule between now and the end of March is packed with tribute band performances, game nights, dinner shows, dances, and tournaments.
The weather has turned a bit cool and is hovering in the mid- to high 50s lately. A little chilly for we California kids. Meanwhile, the hardy snowbirds from the frigid winter weather states and Canada are sitting outside their RVs in shorts and T's drinking beer. The more active ones are playing water volleyball and attending water aerobics classes. Brrr. Hard pass.
Our life here at Valle del Oro has fallen into a routine: We work, attend yoga classes, walk the dogs, do chores, and explore the area in our off time.
No Slinging Hash or Hauling Trash for Us
Well, it finally happened. We turned down working the New Year's Eve event and let them know we would not be working any events for the rest of our tenure as workampers at VDO. They said it is mandatory. We said no.
The next day we were called in to chat with the park's general manager. She was not happy and was "shocked" and found it "hard to believe" we were not told about these additional duties during our initial phone interview. After a fairly lengthy discussion, she finally understood that we were holding firm in our stance. She decided our tech skills were more important than our food service skills. So...no more slinging hash and hauling trash for the Smiths.
Is it wrong we did a victory dance? (Well, Anne Marie danced. Cliff still can't keep a beat.)
Gilbert, AZ
When we first arrived in Mesa, we checked out the food scene hoping to find some fabulous and unique restaurants. We were somewhat disappointed with the selection and quality.
Then we found Gilbert, AZ. About 7 miles from Mesa, Gilbert was once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World." It has recently evolved into one of the fastest growing communities in the United States and has transformed itself from an agricultural community into a thriving suburban community.
Downtown Gilbert is now the place to eat. With over 30 restaurants, it is a dining mecca with a mix of cuisines. Several restaurants that we've tried served interesting selections and were delicious. Our favorite (so far) has fresh fish flown in daily. We are literally happy campers now.
Hiking in Lost Dutchman State Park
Last weekend, we loaded the pups in the car and drove about 25 minutes to Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ. Within the park are several trails leading into the Superstition wilderness and Tonto National Forest. The 320-acre park is named after the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, a famously lost gold mine legendary in the tales of the Old West. The Treasure Loop Trail was perfect for us to get back into hiking with elevation changes of only 500 feet. It was good to get out, stretch our hiking muscles, and experience the Sonoran Desert.
The Mundane
We are having fun cooking in a very tiny kitchen and learning new skills. Anne Marie made homemade Neapolitan style pizza dough one afternoon. It involved making the dough by hand from 00 flour and proofing it for 24 hours. We have a pizza oven attachment that sits on our outdoor Camp Chef grill that heats up to 800 degrees. The dough turned out to be just okay, so we'll keep searching for a better recipe.
The dogs badly needed haircuts. Instead of spending $150, we watched a YouTube video on grooming Cocker Spaniels, and then put our new found knowledge to work. The dogs were really good sports about it and the cuts didn't turn out half bad. Not professional quality, but good enough for rock and roll (and for romping in the dog park).
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Happy New Year!!!
Haircuts look good although Chester’s pic look may differ. Missing you guys!
Well, his look may be more from me sticking a camera in his face. 🙂 We miss you guys as well! Hope all is good in the ‘hood.
No more hash slinging!! Happy New Year.
And we’re very happy with that fact. HNY to you and Pat, as well!
Great job on the haircut. Happy New Year.
Thanks, Hameed! I may try cutting my own hair next… 😆
Pretty sure the RV staff added on food service to see if you'd do it. Most people are probably agreeable enough to say 'yes'.
So, you’re saying we’re disagreeable people? Thanks, nephew! 😉
Tessa always looked like she had vacuum stripes with my expertise grooming skills but after a week or so it was cover in new growth and hard to see.🤣
😆
Oh, yeah. Our pups got those, too. After a week, things even out.